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A dog’s birthday or adoption date is a milestone in both the owner and dog’s life worthy of a big annual celebratory party. Dog birthday bashes or adoption parties are a great way to publicly show your love and admiration for your best four legged friend; our furry kids gives us so much and ask for so little in return.
This past Friday, August 21, Rufus, my red smooth miniature dachshund turned 5 and we celebrated that Sunday with 20 of our closest friends! Like in years past, we marked the occasion with a party to remember. 
There are no set rules for how one can throw a dog party. Venues can be dog parks, personal homes or the latest trend is working with your favorite pet store or boarding facility and getting a space that is safe and fashionable. Over the years we have hosted Rufus’ birthday celebrations at Whitnal Off-leash Dog Park, Urban Pets and this year LA Dogworks.
Once you secure a venue of your choice, give some consideration as to the length of the party, activities and any themes.
For us, we often have four parts to Rufus’ big bashes:
- Door prizes. I know it’s Rufus’ party and traditionally people bring the birthday boy gifts, but door prizes are a fun way to encourage your guest attend on time and keep the party moving. Gifts can be given out all at once or in various intervals throughout the celebration. Door prizes seem to add to the excitement of the day and can be easy and affordable items like dachshund shape soap, collars and leashes, bowls and anything else a dog would like or need.
- A guest speaker. It’s awesome to take advantage of having so many dog owners together in one place by hearing from a local rescue spokesperson, a trainer offering some tips or other dog specialist that might be informative and entertaining for your group.
- Cake. You got to have a cake and sing Happy Birthday to the guest of honor. It’s often the climax of our celebrations.
- Gift bags. I know it’s very Hollywood, but it’s a great way to thank your guests for taking the time to come out and celebrate your furry kid’s special day. Gift bags don’t have to be overly complicated. Some high end treats from Three Dog’s Bakery, a tennis ball and coupons from a local pet stores is a good foundation for many gift bags. In the absence of gift bags, you may offer guests thank you pupcakes or whatever your imagination will allow.
Final tips for a successful dog party: 2 hours seems to be the maximum amount of time for a party before dogs and humans get too rowdy. Food and dogs don’t always mix well so keep the human food to a minimum and try to avoid serving foods (like grapes or chocolate) that can be dangerous for our dogs. Decorate and personalize the venue with the birthday boy or girl’s picture, balloons and whatever else you can dream up.
This year we had 13 x 19 pictures of Rufus up on the walls, Rufus bottled water, 25 gift bags filled with Three Dog Bakery treats, 19 door prizes, wiener races and cake. The energy and spirit of the day was high and everyone seemed to have a great time.
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